Where could you go to learn about sexual health and wellness, land and connection, and the power of a public library? Indigenous Research Day.
Run by the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI), the annual event was held on Nov. 4 at CIBC hall in MUSC, showcasing Indigenous research at McMaster.
Savage Bear welcomed the audience, wearing a hoodie that featured the new Indigenous Marauder logo by Cayuga Woodland artist Kyle Joedicke.
The day started with a traditional opening from Elder in Residence Dixie Doxtator, and a welcome from MIRI Director Savage Bear, who described the day as a gathering brought to life by the dedicated efforts of many.
“We are incredibly proud,” Bear said. “Today, as we showcase and we celebrate Indigenous research in action, we stand on the shoulders of giants who paved the way.”
That includes scholar Dawn Martin-Hill, who retired last year, and Chancellor Santee Smith, whose term concludes at the end of 2025.
“MIRI is privileged to bring together researchers, students, Indigenous communities today, fostering dialogue and a deeper understanding of an ethical, balanced, and respectful research with Indigenous peoples and within Indigenous territories and lands,” Bear said.
“Our lineup of presenters embodies the power of Indigenous scholarship, each poised to become the giants of tomorrow.”
Community-engaged research
Indigenous Research Day featured presentations from researchers and experts at the Feast Centre for STBBI Research, McMaster Indigenous Research Institute, the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, and the Indigenous Studies Department. Some of the work they shared is in the very early stages of research, while others are some years along.
Presenters included PhD student Alexis Beltrano and IndigiNerds Research Internship Alumni Maddy Lutes, who presented on the power of plain language in knowledge mobilization for research in the Canadian Arctic; and Bonnie Freeman, who is the Dawn Martin-Hill Community Fellowship Award holder, presented her work leading a project in partnership with Six Nations of the Grand River Child and Family Services to deepen understanding of Haundenosaunee perspectives on the well-being of children and families through their connection to land, water, and the Great Law of Peace.
Alexis Beltrano and Maddy Lutes present their research on the power of plain language in knowledge mobilization for research in the Canadian Arctic. (Photo by Abdo Habbani)
Even more projects with community impact included those by Associate Dean of Indigenous Health Patricia Farrugia and Health Sciences student Mariam Abdelmalek, who are looking at denialism as a form of anti-Indigenous racism and its manifestations in healthcare; Farrugia and research coordinator Srishti Sharma, who are part of a team mapping staff awareness and utilization of Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation (IHSR) at Niagara Health; and professor Jennifer Walker and assistant professor Lori Davis-Hill, who shared the ongoing work by their team of dementia researchers and Indigenous community organizers to transform the way we think about brain health assessment.
MIRI also ran its annual Indigenous Market in the atrium of MUSC, with vendors selling beadwork, ribbon shirts and skirts, candles, pottery and more.
The final session of the day featured the new cohort of the Master of Indigenous Studies program. Each of the seven students gave a five-minute presentation about their proposed master’s work. Topics included the impact of wildfires and evacuations on the mental health and well-being of Indigenous communities; Two-Spirit literatures, art, and the adaptability of traditions; and snapping turtle conservation on Six Nations of the Grand River reserve.
Stone Rivers, part of the new cohort of the Master of Indigenous Studies program, presented her proposed master’s research on the over-incarceration of Indigenous mothers in Canada. (Photo by Abdo Hibbani)
Professor Rick Monture, who moderated a panel discussion with the new Master of Indigenous Studies students, noted how fulfilling it was to go from seeing the students’ applications come in last year, to seeing them on stage now, sharing their projects with confidence and enthusiasm.
For years, Monture said, members of the Six Nations community brought forward the desire for collaborative discussions in a university setting that would bring together Indigenous intellectualism, philosophy, conflict resolution and more.
“It took 30-something years,” Monture said. “But here we are, doing this now.”
Indigenous Research Day was made possible by support from the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge, the Indigenous Studies Department, Indigenous Student Services, the Center for Indigenous STBBI Research, University Advancement, the Office of Community Engagement, the Indigenous Mentorship Network, and the Indigenous Health Movement.